It has already been an interesting offseason for the Phoenix Suns and they are expected to make many more moves.
Of course, the Suns started their offseason off by trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks.
By making this trade, the Suns officially kicked off their rebuild as they try to build their roster around Devin Booker and try to turn their franchise around after another disappointing season.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker
Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Phoenix now shifts their focus to the first round of the NBA draft on Wednesday night as they now hold the 10th and 29th overall selections.
In a recent mock draft by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, he has the Suns selecting Egor Demin out of BYU 10th overall and then using the 29th pick to select Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner.
“Although the Suns are high on Oso Ighodaro, he is not ready to be a full-time starting center in the NBA. Kalkbrenner is, and he can make an impact right away as a shot-blocker as well,” Siegel wrote.
Like Siegel mentioned, Kalkbrenner could immediately become a potential option to start at center for the Suns next season after spending five seasons at Creighton.
Last season, the 23-year-old center averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 65.3% from the field and 34.4% from three.
Mar 17, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) and Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) react to a play during the second half against North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first round of the 2023 NCAA men s basketball tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images
Mar 17, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) and Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) react to a play during the second half against North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first round of the 2023 NCAA men s basketball tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images
Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images
The 7-1 center would give the Suns a much-needed rim protector and he would also help space the floor due to his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc.
Of course, the center position was a major weakness for the Suns last season, even after acquiring Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline, but by selecting Kalkbrenner, they would be able to fill a key need to start off the summer.